My recent trip, spanning the iconic Portofino Coast and the tranquil shores of Lake Como, epitomised Italian luxury and charm. Staying with R Collection Hotels, I was privileged to experience two of Italy’s most enchanting regions in comfort and style, writes Demi Aspey.
If you were to peek within my secret Pinterest boards (because, yes, I am a Pinterest board manifestation girlie), you’d learn some very telling things about me:
- Regardless of how cringe they might be, I can’t resist a motivational quote.
- My home renovation dreams are more extensive than my bank balance.
- I’ll never be able to decide on one style or look for myself.
- And I’m madly, deeply, passionately in love with Lake Como.
Some places don’t just meet expectations—they exceed them, and Lake Como is one of them. The place doesn’t meet expectations whatsoever. It tosses them out the window, taking you on a journey that sticks with you long after the last cappuccino (or one too many Rossini cocktails if you’re anything like me). Lake Como is the Italian daydream brought to life.
And right there, nestled in Menaggio, is the Grand Hotel Victoria Concept & Spa—my oasis of luxury, elegance, and unapologetic Italian charm. My Lizzie McGuire “This is what dreams are made of” moment (if the movie had been set in Como rather than Rome, anyway).
The whole property, from the foyer to spa to hallways and rooms, is an architectural masterpiece, divided between two worlds: the historic 19th-century Villa, charming and old-school, and the chic, contemporary Palazzo, sleek with its modern lines. A stunning glass corridor connects the two, and suddenly, you’re walking through decades of history, from past to present, like it’s nothing.
Together, they create this ‘never-ending love story’ with Lake Como—a blend of nostalgia and modern flair that feels like an ode to Italian elegance.
Suites That’ll Leave You Breathless
I’m not being hyperbolic when I say I literally gasped when I stepped into my suite at the Grand Hotel Victoria. I was left utterly speechless—a rarity; just ask anyone who knows me. I felt like I’d been transported into a classic love story.
I stayed in the Suite Lake View, part of the recently renovated Villa, and let me tell you, it was pure bliss.
The room (or should I say palace!) is a sanctuary: spacious beyond need, so luxurious in fact, that luxury doesn’t even do the suite justice, and perfectly designed to let the view steal the show.
The bed? It is a pure plush paradise that frankly makes my bed at home feel like a simple wooden frame. Crisp linens familiar with Grand Hotel Bristol’s grandeur, furniture that whispered sophistication, and a vibe as relaxing as it was invigorating.
Floor-to-ceiling French doors flood the room with light even on the greyest October days. Every morning, from the comfort of my bed, I watched the mystically low clouds spread across the lake and mountains like a painting coming to life. Want a serene courtyard view? They’ve got it! Are you craving that iconic lake vista? You’re covered!
The Grand Hotel Victoria boasts 81 beautifully appointed rooms across the charming Villa and the elegant Palazzo. From the courtyard’s peaceful charm to the lake’s breathtaking flirtatiousness, the views are to die for. Thoughtfully designed, every room focuses on your comfort, featuring walk-in showers, stylish interiors, and meticulously selected amenities to ensure a seamless stay.
George Clooney, eat your heart out!
For those who desire an authentic VIP experience, the exclusive suites—like the Terrace Suite, the Queen Victoria Suite, and even the Lake View Suites—provide private terraces and expansive layouts that elevate any stay to something extraordinary.
Erre Spa & The Art of Letting Go
The Erre Spa at the Grand Hotel Victoria is a whole experience—1,500 square meters dedicated to relaxation, rejuvenation, and forgetting the outside world exists.
The spa is a main event. As you walk in, you’ll be hit with the calming scent of essential oils, knowing you’re about to be pampered like never before. They’ve got everything: a 20-meter indoor pool with a Jacuzzi, a Turkish bath, and even a Kneipp path. The spa here is not just an amenity but a core part of the Grand Hotel Victoria experience, designed to offer guests a harmonious blend of relaxation and rejuvenation.
My 50-minute massage was pretty life-changing. My therapist tailored everything to my preferences, checking in throughout the session to ensure it was right. This level of customisation exceeds your needs and untangles those troublesome knots of life.
After, I slipped into a plush robe and wandered back to my suite, where I sipped on Italian fizz that makes champagne seem budget, wondering why I couldn’t live here full-time!
Every inch of the spa, hotel, and room is crafted to help you pause, breathe, and let the world melt away.
A Taste of Italy with a Twist
Dining at the Grand Hotel Victoria is all about savouring the art of Italian cuisine. Lago Restaurantis set on an indoor veranda with lake views, and trust me, it’s just as stunning as it sounds. The chef combines classic Italian ingredients with a modern touch, turning every dish into a mini-masterpiece.
The Lago Restaurant is also where you can indulge in breakfast each morning, and as someone who typically doesn’t eat breakfast, I indulged with two plates!
From a freshly cooked selection and a quintessentially Italian continental spread of meats, cheeses, and bread to a gorgeous array of pastries, even the fussiest of eaters will be satisfied. I’m still thinking about the gigantic vanilla cream-filled croissant and how Italy could probably convince me to become a breakfast person!
For something with a little more pizzazz,1827 Restaurant is the spot. Expect the unexpected with 1827’s avant-garde Italian dishes and decor that both surprise and delight.
Residents can also take a cooking class led by the hotel’s chefs. As someone desperate to master the art of handmade pasta making, I think I did a pretty good job. What do you think?
And then there’s Bar Manzoni, where cocktails are a complete experience even Gatsby would be proud of. Accompanied by the most delicious bar snacks you could only dream of in the UK, sitting there with an Aperol Spritz, watching the lake views in the evening light—pure Italian bliss.
For those looking for summertime lazy afternoons, Bar Griso by the pool offers snacks and drinks that make poolside lounging a must.
Lake Como’s Serenity Steals the Show
If Portofino is Italy’s glamorous alter ego, Lake Como is its quiet, soulful side. Framed by the Alps and dotted with quaint villages, Lake Como is a timeless muse for artists, poets, and anyone with a heartbeat. Walking along its shores, you don’t simply admire the lake—you feel it.
The weather wasn’t perfect during my stay (Italy can’t always guarantee sunshine, apparently), but the autumnal chill didn’t stop us from exploring all Como has to offer.
Grand Hotel Victoria’s Beach Club
When it comes to Lake Como, you’d think the beauty would stop at the shoreline, but no!
The Grand Hotel Victoria has its slice of paradise with Victoria Beach, a private beach club on the lake. Sun loungers, umbrellas, and gazebos line the lakeside while attentive staff refresh you as you soak up the sun. The setting is serene—just the gentle lapping of water, mountains in the background, and that unmistakable air of refined Italian relaxation.
Though I didn’t have the chance to lounge in the sun, I did have the pleasure of tasting Victoria Beach Club’s dinner menu. Much like the team at Grand Hotel Bristol, the Victoria Beach Club ensured I wouldn’t possibly leave with room to spare despite my aversion to seafood. I’ve never had pizza as a starter, but you can bet I’m bringing the inspiration back home. Fresh dough, cheese galore, and every topping imaginable, sans pineapple—don’t suggest it!
Then, for mains, the most generous plate is tender steak, potatoes, and seasonal vegetables. I could barely manage dessert, but when in Como.
Pass Me the Olive Oil!
One of my culinary highlights was lunch at La Darsena Tremezzo Restaurant. With panoramic windows framing views of Bellagio and the Grigne mountains, the restaurant combined local Italian flavours with a contemporary twist.
Chef Marcello creates dishes celebrating Como’s heritage but with enough flair and eccentricity to keep you guessing. It was an evening where every bite felt like a discovery, blending perfectly with the lake’s quiet majesty.
All Aboard! Next Stop – Varenna.
So I couldn’t take a famous Lake Como boat tour because despite the lake’s angelic yearning, sometimes the weather dictates the day. But that didn’t stop us from hopping on the ferry and venturing to Varenna, one of Lake Como’s most charming villages.
Exploring Varenna, a fairytale of a village on the lake’s eastern shore, was another unforgettable moment. With its narrow alleys, elegant villas, and independent shops, Varenna feels untouched by time.
I also found myself at the viral “Gates of Heaven” at Villa Cipressi (another R Collection gem), staring at a surreal view that it’s hard to believe it’s not a set piece. If you’re in the area, Varenna is a must—an escape within an escape, wrapped in Lake Como’s quiet elegance.
Why Grand Hotel Victoria is Pure Lake Como Magic
Lake Como belongs to a different time, where romance and beauty reign supreme.
The Grand Hotel Victoria Concept & Spa effortlessly captures that spirit. It’s an immersion into the Italian way of life. The Grand Hotel Victoria is the perfect blend of luxury, comfort, and history wrapped in one unforgettable package.
R Collection Hotels have perfected the art of making you feel like Italy isn’t just a destination but a state of mind. Each property is a world of its own, blending seamlessly with its surroundings and offering deeply Italian experiences, from the glamour of the Grand Hotel Bristol in Portofino to the refined grace of the Grand Hotel Victoria on Lake Como.
But their secret sauce is their people.
The team here and across all R Collection hotels aren’t just professional; they’re warm, welcoming, and genuinely passionate about their work. I’ve done my fair share of time in hospitality, so I know how rare this level of care is. Every interaction, from the front desk to the waitstaff, made me feel at home—albeit a very luxurious home with lake views and a Michelin-level chef.
If you’re scattering a trip to Lake Como across your Pinterest vision boards, do yourself a favour and book a stay at the Grand Hotel Victoria.
It’s a place that gets under your skin, where you have no choice but to unwind and soak up the magic of Italy. And trust me, once you experience Italy this way, there’s no going back. You might come for the views, but you’ll stay for the experience—and I promise, you won’t regret a moment.
R Collection has a way of casting a spell that’s hard to shake.
Why would you want to?
Planning Your Lake Como Luxury Escape
Timing your Lake Como visit can significantly enhance your experience at the Grand Hotel Victoria. Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) offer mild temperatures, fewer crowds, and stunning natural scenery as the landscape transforms. Summer remains peak season with warm weather perfect for enjoying Victoria Beach Club and water activities, though expect higher rates and busier villages. Winter brings a serene, romantic atmosphere with off-season pricing, ideal for spa-focused retreats and cosy fireside moments, though some outdoor activities may be limited.
Getting to Menaggio is refreshingly straightforward. Fly into Milan Malpensa or Bergamo, then take a scenic 90-minute drive along the lake’s western shore. Alternatively, train to Como San Giovanni station followed by a ferry ride offers spectacular views. Once at Grand Hotel Victoria, their private pier provides easy access to ferry connections for exploring Bellagio, Varenna, and Tremezzo. Pack versatile layers—elegant evening wear for hotel dining, comfortable shoes for cobblestone villages, and resort wear for spa days. Don’t forget a quality camera; Lake Como’s beauty demands documentation.
The Details
Lead-in prices for Entry Level Rooms
Grand Hotel Victoria – Low season – €700 Mid Season – €950 High Season – €1300
Park View Rooms offer a splendid view of the hill just beyond the hotel, and sometimes there’s a chance for a delightful surprise view that includes a charming glimpse of the lake.
Deluxe Courtyard View (10 rooms) – 25-45 sq m; King or Twin; Max 3 occ.; Extra-bed upon request; Walk-in shower; Courtyard View; Connecting options: Executive Park View (common entrance); Located only in the Palazzo.
Prestige Park View (12 rooms) – 26 sq m; King or Twin; Max 2 occ.; Walk-in shower; Park view;
Prestige Park View with Balcony (6 rooms) – 23-27 sqm; King or Twin; Max 2 occ.; Walk-in shower; Park view; Balcony;
Executive Park View (17 rooms) – 30-38 sq m; King or Twin; Max 2 occ.; Walk-in shower; Park view; Balcony; Connecting options: Deluxe Courtyard (common entrance).
Loft Room with Lake View (3 rooms) – 27-30 sq m; King; Max 2 occ.; Walk-in shower; Lake View; Balcony;
Junior Suite Park View (13 rooms) – 30-45 sq m; King or Twin; Max 3 occ.; Extra bed upon request; Walk-in shower; Park view; Balcony upon availability; Connecting options: Junior Suite Park View (common entrance). Located only in the Palazzo.
Junior Suite Lake View (4 rooms) – 30-45 sq m; King or Twin; Max 2 occ.; Walk-in shower; Lake View; Balcony;
Suite Park View (7 rooms) – 49-52 sq m; King or Twin; Max 4 occ.; Walk-in shower or Walk-in shower & Separate Tub; Park view; Balcony in some; Extra beds or Sofa bed for two;
Suite Lake View (5 rooms) – 80 sq m; King; Max 4 occ.; Walk-in shower; Lake View; Balcony upon availability; Extra beds or Sofa bed for two;
Exclusive Suite Lake View (3 rooms) – 55 sq m; King; Max 4 occ.; Sofa bed for two; Walk-in shower & Separate Tub; Lake View; 2 rooms have French Balconies;
Terrace Suite Lake View (1 room) – 55 sq m; King; Max 3 occ.; Sofa bed; Walk-in shower; Private 20-sqm Equipped Terrace; Lake View; Interleading capabilities
Como Suite Lake View (2 rooms) – 90 sqm; Max 6 occ.; 3 Bathrooms; 1 Junior Suite Lake View & 2 Prestige Park View with Balcony.
Bellagio Suite Lake View (2 rooms) – 90 sqm; Max 6 occ.; 3 Bathrooms; 1 Junior Suite Lake View & 2 Prestige Park View.
Queen Victoria Suite Lake View (1 room) – 80 sqm; Max 5 occ.; 2 Bathrooms; 1 Suite Park View & 1 Loft Room with Lake View.
DISTANCES
28 Km from Lugano
35 Km from Como (train station)
81 Km from Milano
99 Km from St. Moritz
SIGHTSEEING
Golf Club Menaggio & Cadenabbia (18 holes), 10 mins from the hotel
Boat tours (private pier to access the hotel)
Water sports nearby (sailing, kite surf, kayak)
Visits of the surroundings (Bellagio, Varenna)
Comacina Island
Villas and gardens visit
